468566 Tue Dec 11 14:44:02 -0800 2007 19 3 California 0 3199451 TJs inevitably seems cheaper... but is it worth going to Henry's because they have better/more interesting/less run-of-the-mill wines? Any opinions? Tue Dec 11 14:44:02 -0800 2007 116543 kudru 1 3199523 Actually I would go to San Diego Wine Company down on Miramar Rd. They have lots of wines at different price pts. The clerks know their stuff as well. The only problem is the parking is lousy. they are right next door to a Boll Weevil. However, if I had to pick between the two, I would pick TJ. Up in Encinitas, their wine selection seems much better than the local Henry's and yes I know that the store on Encinitas Blvd. is one of their smaller stores, so the wine selection may suffer. Tue Dec 11 15:04:23 -0800 2007 3199451 67683 littlestevie 2 3199536 Thanks- unfortunately, I'm carless and confined to PB (where there are face-to-face H's and TJs) Next time I'm on Miramar Rd, though... good to know Tue Dec 11 15:06:47 -0800 2007 3199523 116543 kudru 3 3199574 I don't go to those locations, but if my only convenient choices were those - I'd frequent TJ's. I get vioignier and prosecco at my local TJ's, plus very affordable cooking wines if you're on a budget. The TJ vintage ale made by Unibroue is good, too. And their Chimay prices are not bad. Tue Dec 11 15:16:12 -0800 2007 3199536 106260 trentyzan 4 3199586 looking for a good red wine <$ 15 to bring to dinner.... i'll check out the Viognier Tue Dec 11 15:19:33 -0800 2007 3199574 116543 kudru 4 3199589 whoops, that's a white isn't it! (ha, I know nothing about wine) Tue Dec 11 15:21:05 -0800 2007 3199574 116543 kudru 5 3199625 You might poke around http://www.traderjoesfan.com/magazine/ for ideas, it depends a lot on what's for dinner and what diners like... Tue Dec 11 15:33:43 -0800 2007 3199589 106260 trentyzan 5 3199632 if you're looking for a red, the peachy canyon zinfindel and the robert hall cabernet sauvignon from TJ's are great and both around 10 bucks Tue Dec 11 15:35:09 -0800 2007 3199589 93262 DoctorQuality 6 3199736 I second the Robert Hall. Solid cab for the price. Tue Dec 11 16:09:07 -0800 2007 3199632 115989 menuinprogress 5 3199754 fantastic, thanks to you all!!! Tue Dec 11 16:15:58 -0800 2007 3199589 116543 kudru 3 3199583 I've found Calvados at some TJ's locations as well, which is nice this time of year. Tue Dec 11 15:18:34 -0800 2007 3199536 106260 trentyzan 4 3199828 I think TJ's gets the edge, it's a large national chain with buying power. For a real find Costco has a 2005 cab named ROOT1 from Chilie, wine spectator rated 90 and it's under $10. a bottle. Great drinking! Tue Dec 11 16:47:32 -0800 2007 3199583 147961 treb 3 3199878 San Diego Wine Co. is actually on Eastgate Mall Road, which crosses Miramar Road. GO North on it and it is one of thosae office-looking buildings, closer to the bridge over 805 than to Miramar. Tue Dec 11 17:13:02 -0800 2007 3199536 12123 Cathy 4 3200059 The moved to Miramar Rd. months ago. Used to be just down the street from my office, but alas they have moved. I was just there today (gulp). Cheers Tue Dec 11 18:16:20 -0800 2007 3199878 12980 stevuchan 5 3200161 What?!? I work *very* close also, but have been driving over 805 to and from and have not passed by since at least June...there was an incident on Miramar Road in June and I just started taking the 52 to 5 to and 5 to 52 home... Obviously...and I am on their mailing list-get the flyer every month and-obviously have not opened it. Tue Dec 11 18:51:48 -0800 2007 3200059 12123 Cathy 6 3201161 Yes, they have moved. They're not the same since Paris' departure as buyer, however. He was a real knowledgeable guy. Wed Dec 12 08:01:35 -0800 2007 3200161 10809 Josh 7 3201377 They buy wine from Paris now, including champagnes from the Theise book and that's a good thing. The influence that came from Rich's time there was helpful as well and they now buy wines from his book at Epic, another good thing. Wed Dec 12 09:03:22 -0800 2007 3201161 31795 ibstatguy 1 3200247 But, back to you, Original Poster Person... I have bee on a quest for only wines not listing Sulfites (even though they are naturally occurring) and have found basically only(and not all) organic wines have no sulfites listed on the labels and Henry's sells all organic wines on one shelf, whereas Trader Joe's sells wines by country or varietal and usually the label on the shelf states if it is organic or not...making it more of a challenge to find organic wines. As far as more interesting, that is a toss up. As far as price range, that too is a toss up, but I think TJs has a few better deals on certain wines, because a lot are one time only purchases. I enjoy looking at both stores. Tue Dec 11 19:31:16 -0800 2007 3199451 12123 Cathy 1 3200589 I think Trader Joes generally beats Henry's for selection, but both can vary from store to store. Henry's might be cheaper overall, but I think the wines tend to be lower quality. Tue Dec 11 23:28:44 -0800 2007 3199451 11803 Alice Q 2 3201130 cathy + alice q- thanks for your input! incidentally, i really enjoy reading both of your blogs. keep it up! Wed Dec 12 07:51:40 -0800 2007 3200589 116543 kudru